Tuesday, 4 July 2023

River pollution is a problem in India, and experts warn that it is generating a lethal catastrophe that jeopardises the country's health and development.

 Why Indian Rivers Are Dirty And Toxic?

The Indian rivers once had a spiritual significance. River banks were also popular for picnics and family outings. It didn't escape Bollywood's attention and facilitated the fantasy of youths towards rivers. 
There are several films with themes around Indian rivers in which performers take joy in bathing or singing. A generation has grown up romanticizing rivers. However, things aren’t that rosy now. 
 
Within a short time, rivers in India became a joke. Rivers are progressively withering and have turned into a sea of waste, unlike in the past when they were venerated and depicted in splendour. In this post, I will highlight a few factors primarily to blame for the current state of affairs, so buckle up.  

 Exploring the Reasons Why Indian Rivers Are Dirty

As I walked along the banks of the river, I couldn't help but notice the putrid smell emanating from the water. The once crystal-clear river was now murky and filled with debris. I couldn't help but wonder why Indian rivers were so dirty and toxic. Our rivers are in trouble, from the Ganges to the Yamuna and even small tributaries. And the effects of water pollution don't end there; they can be felt in every corner of India. 
 
Post-Independence Industrialization
India's post-independence period, which began in 1947, saw tremendous economic growth, industrialization, and a boost in agricultural production. The government invested heavily in infrastructure, including dams, canals, and barrages
 
However, this growth came at a high cost, leading to an alarming increase in water pollution. The problem has only persisted with time. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), almost 37,000 million litres per day (MLD) of untreated sewage water runs into rivers across the country. Today, the rivers in India are among the most polluted in the world, with high levels of toxic chemicals, sewage, and industrial waste.

Rapid Population Growth and Urbanization
Urbanization has been a double-edged sword for India. While it has brought about economic growth and development, it has also resulted in severe environmental degradation, particularly in river pollution. India is rapidly urbanizing, with a population set to surpass 1.5 billion by 2030
 
The rapid population growth in urban areas has put a tremendous strain on the already limited resources of the cities. The demand for water supply and sewage management has far exceeded the capacity of the cities to provide these basic amenities. Consequently, many untreated sewage and industrial effluent enter the rivers. 
Inadequate Waste Management Systems
Waste management remains a systemic issue in India. The majority of urban areas still need efficient waste management systems. Municipal solid waste management is still nascent, with minimal waste segregation. It has led to massive open dumpsites, causing the leaching of toxins into the soil and groundwater, which eventually ends up contaminating the rivers. As per some reports, nearly 80% of Indian water is severely polluted, and the condition is horrifying in urban areas. 

Encroachments and Riverbank Construction
Encroachments along the riverbanks and illegal constructions seriously threaten the river's ecosystem. These constructions and encroachments disrupt the river's natural flow, leading to erosion of the riverbanks and altering the river's course. Additionally, the lack of buffer zones causes the sedimentation of the river's bed, compromising the river's self-cleansing capacity. 

Agricultural Practices
Agricultural practices are another significant source of river pollution. Farmers use an enormous amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides without adequate precautions. Excessive use of these elements leads to runoff into the rivers and other water bodies, leading to toxicity. The buildup of nutrients results in eutrophication
 
Lack of awareness among the general public and insufficient government actions to curb pollution are also contributing factors. 

Historically, rivers in India were seen as a symbol of purity and prosperity. The degradation of these holy rivers is a symptom of India's rapid growth and lack of environmental awareness. 
 
As I concluded my walk along the river, I couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. The situation seemed bleak, and it was evident that drastic measures were the need of the hour. The government, industries, and the public must unite to make a concerted effort to clean up the rivers and prevent further pollution. Today, Indian rivers are in disastrous condition. Our moral responsibility is to clean them up, restore their lost radiance, and allow actors to return to the rivers as they once were.


Image Courtesy: Google Images

Sunday, 2 July 2023

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women worldwide, with a prevalence of 6-26% worldwide and 3.7-22.5% in India.

 Why do Indian Women Struggle to Manage Conditions like PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects many women worldwide, including those in India. However, Indian women, in particular, face unique struggles when managing this condition. This document aims to explore the reasons behind the challenges Indian women encounter while managing PCOS and shed light on the factors contributing to this issue.
 
 

Understanding PCOS: A Brief Overview

PCOS can significantly impact a woman's reproductive health, overall well-being, and quality of life. It can cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries in women.
The exact cause of PCOS is still not fully understood. Still, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens such as testosterone, play a crucial role in developing and progressing PCOS.
 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOS can vary among woman but often include irregular periods, fertility issues, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's physical appearance, emotional well-being, and self-esteem.
Diagnosing PCOS can be challenging as there is no definitive test. The diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical exams, medical history evaluation, blood tests, and ultrasound imaging. These tests help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and confirm the presence of PCOS.
 
It is important to note that PCOS is a lifelong condition, and early diagnosis and management are crucial in preventing or minimizing potential complications. Women with PCOS often require ongoing medical care and support to manage their symptoms. It reduces the risk of long-term health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.
In conclusion, understanding PCOS's symptoms, diagnosis, and management is necessary in providing appropriate care and support for women with this condition.

Statistics on PCOS in India

PCOS is a severe medical condition that affects roughly one in every five Indian women. One survey found that nearly 25 per cent of respondents were unaware of PCOS, while 65% did not recognize its symptoms.
 
There are several symptoms that women and girls with PCOS experience, such as weight gain, thinning hair, fatigue, infertility, pelvic pain, acne, headaches, mood changes, sleep problems, and acne. These symptoms typically begin shortly after puberty and develop throughout the teen years and into early adulthood.
  
According to research done by the AIIMS, around 20-25 per cent of Indian women of reproductive age have PCOS. But why is PCOS becoming such a health scare for Indian women? 

Why is PCOS More Common in Indian Women?

There are multiple reasons why Indian women struggle to manage conditions like PCOS. Here are a few major reasons that make it difficult to handle the situation.  
 
Firstly, there is not enough understanding and education concerning the disease. Many women are ignorant of the signs and causes of PCOS, resulting in late diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the lack of open communication and the inaccessibility of reliable information related to PCOS make PCOS management difficult.
 
Second, in many regions of India, addressing reproductive health concerns is frowned upon. It makes it harder for women to seek medical assistance and support.
 
Additionally, many areas need more affordable and quality healthcare, making it even more challenging for women to seek expert advice. 
 
Finally, the societal expectation that women prioritize family obligations over their health can make controlling disorders like PCOS harder. 
 
The impact of PCOS extends beyond physical health. The hormonal imbalances and the physical manifestations of PCOS can affect a woman's mental well-being.  To deal with the crisis, better understanding, awareness, and access to healthcare services are needed to assist Indian women in properly managing illnesses like PCOS.

It is important to address the prevalence of PCOS in Indian women and raise awareness about the condition. Early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical interventions can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for women affected by PCOS.

Images: Google Images

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Pitra dosh is not a curse, but rather a reminder to be sympathetic and polite to the old and the feeble.

 

Everything You Need to Know Regarding Pitra Dosh or Pithru Dosham

In Indian Astrology, "Pitra Dosh" is regarded as one of the most damaging elements. Some consider it a curse from the ancestors. However, the reality is far from the myths perpetuated and requires correction. Here, I will shed some light on the impact of "Pithru-Dosham" and possible remedies.


So, What is Pitra-Dosha?

In reality, it doesn't imply any curse from forefathers. Instead, a karmic debt requires to be repaid. "Pithru-Dosham" is formed in a person's horoscope when their forefathers have committed crimes, mistakes, or sins during their lifetime. As a result, the individual is bound to repay this karmic debt; otherwise may experience various kinds of hardships in life. This cycle continues until the debt is discharged, either by facing the problems or substituting it with acts of kindness.

 

Different Types of Pitra-Dosha

Based on planetary positions, 14 types of doshas are mentioned and explained in Indian Astrology. Interestingly, the inappropriate position of mighty Rahu is considered the primary reason for Pitra-Dosh. Here, we will address three major types:

 

Ø Neglecting your parents/grandparents is one reason to face the problem. If you ill-treat your elderly, be prepared to face the wrath of god.

 

Ø It is also seen among families who continuously ignore/neglect essential rituals. This may include not conducting proper last rites, shraadh, pinda-daan, etc.

 

Ø Actions of your 'deceased or living ancestors' towards known/unknown persons may also create hardships for you in different forms.


Effects of Pithru-Dosham

Although the effects of "Pithru-Dosham" aren't the same on all individuals. You may successfully evade the consequences with your good deeds and compassion towards others. However, as per the  concept of Karmic astrology, individuals with "Pitra-Dosh" in the horoscope may have to face the following adverse effects:

 

  • Difficulties in the job. The constant struggle at the workplace.
  • Unsuccessful marriage and difficulty in conception or childbirth.
  • Possibility of physical/mental disability among newborns. 
  • Family disputes or unnatural deaths in the family
  • Persistent health issues and financial instability
  • Frequent dreams about snakes
  • Dreams where ancestors ask for food/clothes
  • Unfavourable family environment. Constant fights over trivial issues among family members.
  • Loss of family reputation. In extreme cases, imprisonment

      

Powerful Remedies to Help You

  •  Worship the 'Peepal' tree, especially on Saturday.
  • Offer food/clothes to people in need or Brahmins.
  • Be respectful towards elders and seek their blessings. It will strengthen your Sun. Be compassionate.
  • Conduct "Rudra-Abhishek" in honour of your ancestors.
  • Worship Lord Vishnu, particularly in the form of Shri Ram.
  • Feed crows, street dogs or other animals.

 

Today's generation is responsible for repaying their predecessors' karmic debt. It can be done either by accepting the consequences of the "Karmic Law" or by participating in positive activities that can help reduce or lessen the severity of the obligation.

 

Note:  My sole purpose in discussing the subject is to warn people about the negative consequences of "Pitra-Dosh." I am not an astrologer or a subject matter specialist. I gathered information from multiple sources and compiled it to emphasise the need for respect, compassion, and love for our elderly. They have been left behind as we move forward and join the digital era. Instead of conserving time, today's generation is squandering it on social media, neglecting older adults. My main goal is to apprise youngsters about their primary obligations to family members, particularly older people. It's preferable to sit and listen to them, learning from their expertise, rather than searching for solutions to all of your problems on GOOGLE.

 

Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Mexico is the world's second most popular destination for health care tourism, with a suspected 1.4 million to 3 million people travelling in 2020 to take benefit of low-cost treatment.

 What Makes Mexico an Emerging Dental Tourism Hub?

Having beautiful, healthy teeth complements your smile and leaves a lasting impression. An aesthetically pleasing smile indicates good oral health, boosts confidence and improves social life. 
 
But what about people with damaged or missing teeth? Such circumstances call for tooth replacement procedures. 
However, the cost of dental implants can be astronomical in several nations. One of the main reasons people fly to Mexico is the low cost of dental implants in Mexico. For instance, compared to the United States, specific dental procedures can be 50 to 70% cheaper in Mexico than at a local clinic.

Reasons to Get Dental Implants in Mexico

Cost is one of many factors that bring patients to Mexico. There are many factors that make Mexico an ideal location for dental tourism.

High-Quality Health Care

The country offers some of the best medical facilities in the world. There is state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure that complies with global safety and quality standards. In addition, Mexican doctors are well-educated, with many obtaining medical training and education abroad. Therefore, it is a good idea for patients to look for the best implant dentists in Mexico and get the treatment done by qualified professionals.

 

Affordability

According to Forbes Health, single-tooth implants in the US can cost anywhere from $3,100 to $5,800. Similarly, the American Dental Association estimates that full arch dental implants will cost between $20,000 and $45,000. This is highly pricey compared to the US$1,400 for a single tooth implant in Mexico.

Since the cost of dental implants in Mexico is significantly lower, it has become an appealing destination to save money on medical services. Furthermore, patients can check with their insurance providers to see if their plan covers treatment fees in Mexico.

 

Wide Range Of Procedures Available

Another benefit is the easy availability of a dentist and a dental surgeon under one roof. Depending on the requirement, people can obtain single-tooth implants, fixed bridges, or all four dental implants done in Mexico. It saves time and allows patients to have whatever procedure is done comfortably.

Take a Dental Vacation

Medical tourists in Mexico have an unparalleled chance to enjoy their stay while receiving treatment. Patients can travel to places like Los Algodones, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun for safe and effective therapy. They have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the country's rich culture, natural beauty, and history while visiting.

Finally, Mexico is an amazing country that borders the United States. People come to Mexico for the convenience and cost-effectiveness of getting dental treatment, excellent quality care, and the chance to explore a new country. So, what's keeping you from having that dental implant you've been putting off for far too long?



Image Courtesy: Google